Wine has been an essential part of civilization since its origin around 6000 BC. Thousands of years of vintners’ efforts have led to the high-quality products created worldwide in our industry today. Let’s take today to celebrate this cultural staple with style! Here’s some unique and fun ideas you might enjoy:

1. Explore a new winery – make your plans to visit a winery you have never been to before! Maybe even make it a staycation! You can plan your trip with a little help here. You can always visit a local winery too. Find one near you. 

2. Open your favorite varietal at home – we know you have been sitting on that fancy bottle in your cellar. Pop it open and allow yourself to enjoy what you have been saving. What a perfect occasion – you can’t take it with you when you go! (We imagine heaven has all the best wines)

3. Learn something new - Expand your “wine mind” by learning some new terminology or learn what it takes to create award winning wines. 

4. Gift a bottle – Share one of your favorite wines with a friend. You could even plan a girl’s night with a white wine elephant exchange to make the trades interesting. Open and enjoy your bottle with friends afterward. Tips on wrapping here. 

5. Sharpen your skills – Put your senses to the test. Progress your wine tasting skills by utilizing the 5’s and practicing the best way to observe and enjoy wine. You can also learn best practices on handling wine at an event. Here’s a great refresh for your wine etiquette. 

6. Try a new wine – while you are grocery shopping, pick out a bottle of Missouri wine you have never tried before. Best way to know more about what you like is to try new things! You might just be surprised at what these varietals have to offer. Try celebrating this national holiday with a sparkling. Pick one with our guide. 

7. Pick a pairing to try – Missouri wine varietals have a vast number of pairings! Check out which wine you want to pair with and create an experience that allows you to taste Missouri wine in a new way.

8. Cook with wine – whether it is from a newly opened bottle or one you enjoyed earlier this week, you can utilize Missouri wines beyond the sip. Try baking with wine or create a new dish that adds a new culinary element to your repertoire.

9. Enjoy and relax – However you best enjoy your wine, do that! Sip some while in a hot bath, share with a friend while binging the latest episode of your favorite show or have a wine night with your friends to balance your stressful schedule with some fun.

10. Take the time to recycle – get creative with your leftover corks and bottles and reuse them that empowers you and your environment. Take the time to finally create that cork craft you have been putting off. Try using a bottle to prop in your plant soil for gradual watering or buy some flowers and divide the bouquet into bottles to spruce up your living space.

11. Wine cocktails – not a fan of wine? Wine can still make some awesome cocktails. Get inspired by this Sangria recipe. Even create your own!

Share what you are doing for National Drink Wine Day with us on social media by tagging @missouriwine and #missouriwine.